Jazz Articles about Bernie Arai

About Bernie Arai

Album Review

Sharon Minemoto: Goodbye, Strawberry Hill

Read "Goodbye, Strawberry Hill" reviewed by Jack Bowers

by Jack Bowers
May 30, 2026

The years 1942 through 1945 embody a dark chapter in American and Canadian history--not only in terms of the grievous losses of life and treasure during World War II but also for the abandonment of human rights and the cruel and indefensible treatment of many thousands of their fellow citizens, more specifically those of Japanese descent. Generations have passed, and most people today have either forgotten or never knew about what happened during those few horrendous years--but many ...

Album Review

Brad Turner: Trio Plus One It's All So

Read "Trio Plus One It's All So" reviewed by Pierre Giroux

by Pierre Giroux
June 25, 2025

Brad Turner has long been celebrated as one of Canada's most versatile and expressive artists, whether delivering shimmering lines on the trumpet, crafting emotionally resonant compositions, or, as he does on Trio Plus One, It's All So, showcasing his refined pianistic voice. The album features nine tracks--eight of which are Turner originals-- affirming his stature not only as an instrumentalist but also as a composer of rare intuition and breadth. Joining Turner are long- time collaborators Darren Radtke on bass ...

Album Review

Sharon Minemoto: Dark Night, Bright Stars

Read "Dark Night, Bright Stars" reviewed by Jack Bowers

by Jack Bowers
November 19, 2023

Dark Night, Bright Stars, the second recording by Vancouver, Canada-based pianist Sharon Minemoto and her well-knit quartet, has no need for unseemly frills or flourishes. This is simply clear, plain-spoken contemporary jazz, ably performed by Minemoto and her talented teammates. The album's dozen numbers, all written and arranged by Minemoto, are tasteful and engaging, as is her work at the keyboard, which is never short of inventive and pleasing. The same can be said of tenor saxophonist ...

Album Review

Sharon Minemoto: Dark Night, Bright Stars

Read "Dark Night, Bright Stars" reviewed by Pierre Giroux

by Pierre Giroux
October 23, 2023

Pianist and composer Sharon Minemoto has released an album entitled Dark Night, Bright Stars, which offers a diverse and emotionally resonant listening experience characterized by skillful musicianship and a sense of camaraderie among the participants. These long-time friends include tenor saxophonist Jon Bentley, bassist Darren Radtke and drummer Bernie Arai. All compositions are by Minemoto, providing insight into the diversity and depth of her musical expression. The opening track, “As Luck Would Have It," showcases the ...

Album Review

David Blake: Fun House

Read "Fun House" reviewed by Jack Bowers

by Jack Bowers
October 31, 2022

David Blake and his teammates are definitely having a good time on Fun House, the Vancouver, Canada-based guitarist's third recording as leader, as their energy and enthusiasm flow through the speakers. This is Blake's first album in a setting other than a trio, as he shares the front line here with trumpeter Thad Bailey-Mai and has added a second trumpet, Brad Turner, to complement bassist Conrad Good and drummer Bernie Arai. Blake wrote all but two of ...

Album Review

Tom Keenlyside: A Night at the Espresso

Read "A Night at the Espresso" reviewed by Jack Bowers

by Jack Bowers
March 18, 2022

As is true in many professions, jazz musicians must learn their craft before exposing it to audiences. Some, such as Canadian woodwind specialist Tom Keenlyside, remember where and when that happened. His musical education began for the most part at the Espresso Coffee House in Vancouver. Keenlyside has not forgotten that, even after more than fifty years as a guiding light on the British Columbia jazz scene, and pays tribute to his academic roots on A Night at the Espresso, ...

Album Review

Tom Keenlyside Quartet: Fortune Teller

Read "Fortune Teller" reviewed by Jack Bowers

by Jack Bowers
December 22, 2020

A jazz flutist who plans to record using only a standard three-member rhythm section as back-up should best be musically astute, technically sound, love what he (or she) is doing and harbor an ample supply of clever and interesting phrases designed to suit every occasion. Even though Tom Keenlyside checks all the boxes on Fortune Teller, there is only so much that any flutist, no matter how purposeful and talented, can do to ensnare a listener's ear for seventy-six minutes. ...